Real rode their luck in the early stages and had Luca Modric sent off in the 54th minute, but goals from Toni Kroos and substitute Vazquez wrapped up victory before Sebastian Losada’s late consolation.

Bale needed just 11 minutes to make his point to Zidane as he squared for Benzema who tapped in despite Celta protests over an alleged foul by Casemiro in the build-up.

Casemiro then made a crucial interception to maintain Real’s lead on the half-hour, diverting the ball away from Borja Fernandez who looked almost certain to grab the equaliser.

Toni Kroos scored a stunning goal for Real Madrid (Luis Vieira/AP)

Modric saw a fine effort well saved by Ruben Blanco, and the Celta keeper also reacted well to keep out a fierce drive from Bale before controversy erupted on the stroke of half-time.

Celta appeared to have equalised through Brais Mendez after a goalmouth scramble in which Iago Aspas looked to have been fouled, but a subsequent VAR review saw the effort narrowly ruled out for offside.

Aspas continued to threaten early in the second half and Real’s lead looked distinctly fragile when Modric was issued a straight red card after 54 minutes for tripping Denis Suarez.